Access ramp for a modular floating wooden floor

Abstract

The present patent of invention relates to access ramps for floating wooden floors, provided with male and female interlocking joints for simplified tool-free assembly, cushioning means, expansion joints and other features. As an additional distinguishing feature, the ramps have a continuous finish and are preferably made from plastic wood or recycled waste and may alternatively be made of natural or treated wood, whether native or sourced from reforestation. Furthermore, since the ramps are constructed from straight ramps and corner ramps, with the straight ramps having lateral fastening means for securing them to one another, the ramp can be installed in floating wooden floor constructions of various configurations and dimensions.

Description

[0001] ACCESS RAMP TO FLOOR

[0002] Modular Floating Wood

[0003] Subject:

[0004]

[0001] This Invention Patent refers to access ramps for floating wood floors, equipped with male and female fittings for simplified assembly without tools, damping devices, expansion joints, and other features. An additional differentiating factor is that the ramps have a continuous finish, preferably made of plastic wood or wood from recycled waste, although they can also be made of natural or treated wood, native or from reforestation. Furthermore, as the ramps are constructed from straight and corner ramps, with the straight ramps having lateral fastening means between them, it is possible to install the ramp in a wide variety of floating wood floor constructions, with diverse dimensions.

[0005] State of the Art:

[0006]

[0002] Currently, modular flooring available on the market is widely used in sports, recreational, and commercial applications. Some modular solutions already integrate tongue-and-groove systems to facilitate assembly, including access ramps with tongue-and-groove joints and cushioning. Regarding floating floors, generally made of wood laminate, but also available in vinyl and other materials, the planks are installed over a foam or polyethylene underlay placed directly on the subfloor, which must be level for installation. In these cases, access ramps are not used, but only a means of finishing the floor and integrating it with other existing floors on the site, through the placement of a finishing profile.

[0003] With regard to patent references, document BR202019028317-9, filed on 12 / 31 / 2019, entitled “Impact-Absorbing Floor Tile”, by the same holder, is known, describing a modular plate with impact absorption used to compose floors for various uses. The impact absorption function is achieved through a plurality of cylindrical pins made of thermoplastic elastomer rubber fitted into a structural base, cushioning the forces transmitted to the joints, reducing injuries to the user's knees, heels and legs, enhancing the athletic performance of athletes as well as users in general.

[0007]

[0004] Document BR 102023008745, filed on 07 / 25 / 2023, entitled “Access Ramp for Modular Flooring”, by the same holder, describes a set of modular pieces designed to be attached to the ends of modular floors after installation, for a smooth transition between the floor and the adjacent surface. The system comprises three main elements: a straight ramp with female fittings, a straight ramp with male fittings, and a corner ramp, each with specific fittings for connection to the modular flooring and to each other. The upper surface of the ramps is curved and has grooves to increase grip, while the fittings are designed with expansion limiters to prevent structural damage resulting from thermal variations. The ramps include lower shock absorbers made of thermoplastic elastomeric rubber, strategically placed to absorb impacts and assist in the movement of wheeled objects.

[0008]

[0005] Thus, it can be seen that the floating floors currently available, despite the advantages they possess due to their ease of installation, still present an inadequate finish in the transition between the original floor and the floating floor. This results in a level difference that can reach, in some cases, approximately 5 cm, which compromises both the aesthetics and the functionality of the installation.

[0009]

[0006] In addition to the negative visual impact, this type of finish makes it difficult for wheelchairs, strollers, small bicycles, and other vehicles to access, and also poses a risk of accidents to users. There is also the possibility that the installation of the floating floor may become improperly installed over time, either due to theft or intentional damage.

[0010] Inventive Concept:

[0011]

[0007] The present Access Ramp for Modular Floating Wood Flooring was developed, therefore, to meet the following main objectives:

[0012] - Provide an access ramp for floating floors with continuous covering in relation to modular floors, where only the shock absorbers come into direct contact with the subfloor;

[0013] - To provide cushioning and shock absorption on the access ramp, generating user comfort and elasticity for better athletic performance and protection of the joints of athletes and other users.

[0014]

[0008] To achieve these objectives, a modular floor ramp was developed, consisting of straight and corner structural panels that fit together and into the floating modular floor panels by means of self-locking male-female interlocking joints, allowing for quick and tool-free assembly, while accommodating horizontal thermal expansion and dimensional variations due to changes in temperature and humidity. The floating installation of the access ramp allows the floor to expand and contract naturally with variations in temperature and humidity, preventing deformation and cracking.

[0015]

[0009] The access ramp for floating modular flooring developed features a damping mechanism using elastomeric shock absorbers, which ensure impact absorption without compromising user stability. The shock absorbers are distributed equidistantly under the straight and corner plates, reducing the overload on the joints of athletes and artists who use the space for sports and performances, further facilitating access for people with disabilities and wheelchair users or similar.

[0016]

[0010] The feature referred to here as floating means that the access ramps and floor slabs are fitted together but are not fixed to the subfloor on which they are installed, with the elastomeric dampers being the only point of contact with the subfloor.

[0017]

[0011] The flooring can be made of planks or strips of natural wood, treated wood, or plastic wood, obtained from recycled waste, giving the floor ideal characteristics for application in sports courts, dance floors, theaters, and other spaces that require impact resistance and user comfort. In this case, the flooring planks or strips are fixed to the structural planks of the access ramp using interlocking pins, which can also be fitted together, forming a continuous flooring.

[0018]

[0012] Due to the way the parts fit together, it is possible to replace both the cladding and the structural plate of the access ramps without the need for complete disassembly, making maintenance simpler. The fittings between the plates are firm enough to prevent unintentional displacement, but flexible enough to allow the removal and replacement of specific modules when necessary.

[0019]

[0013] The structural panels of the access ramps are preferably made of high-strength polymer, which may be recycled or 100% recyclable virgin material, containing structural reinforcement through strategically distributed lower ribs for high mechanical resistance and controlled flexibility.

[0014] Additionally, the polymer and elastomer used to manufacture the shock absorbers and structural panels of the access ramps preferably contain graphene as an additive, providing greater resistance, self-repairing properties and flame retardancy, increasing the longevity of the floating modular floor. The finishing panels are preferably made of plastic wood or from recycled waste, but may also be made of natural or treated wood, native or from reforestation, resulting in a continuous finish with respect to the modular floor.

[0020] Summary:

[0021]

[0015] The access ramp for floating modular wood flooring comprises straight ramps equipped with shock absorbers or corner ramps that can be fixed together, to which the flooring panels are attached using pins. The shock absorber comprises grooves with a diameter larger than the holes in the straight ramp.

[0022]

[0016] Additionally, the pin that secures the cladding plates comprises a central stop positioned between the upper and lower couplings, the upper coupling having a cylindrical central body with a conical tip, equipped with protruding pins arranged at an angle to the cylindrical central body, and the lower coupling having two couplings whose tips are wedge-shaped.

[0023] Field of Application:

[0024]

[0017] The application of this Access Ramp for Floating Modular Wood Flooring is as a modular ramp for floating modular flooring with an overlay covering, installed by interlocking the pieces.

[0025] Advantages:

[0026]

[0018] The Access Ramp for Floating Modular Wood Flooring offers the following advantages: • Provides a smooth transition between the modular flooring and the ground, facilitating access for wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles, and other wheeled devices;

[0027] • Because the structural panels have elastomeric shock absorbers distributed across their underside, it is possible to reduce the impact on athletes' joints, preventing injuries. This makes floating floors suitable for installation in sports facilities, as well as various other applications.

[0028] • Compared to known floating wood floors, the present development eliminates the need for finishing profiles used in traditional installation, simplifying assembly and saving money, and also features impact-absorbing mechanisms;

[0029] • Because the cladding is fixed to the structural panels of the ramps by pins, it can be easily installed and replaced. This also allows the cladding panels or strips to be fitted together laterally, resulting in a continuous access ramp in relation to the modular floor, suitable for sports, use in party / dance halls, theater stages and many other applications, in addition to resulting in a homogeneous and continuous final look;

[0030] • Due to the ease with which the coating can be replaced, its application in environments that require this versatility represents an important advantage, such as in theaters;

[0031] • Easy installation, eliminating the need for complex tools and reducing assembly time;

[0032] • The use of graphene as an additive in the polymer and elastomer increases the floor's resistance, making it more durable and preventing premature wear;

[0033] • Made from high-strength thermoplastic, preferably polypropylene enhanced with graphene, it offers greater...

[0034] Mechanical strength, flame-retardant properties, and reduced thermal expansion;

[0035] • Includes straight and corner ramps with connecting pieces, allowing installation in different configurations without compromising the modular floor structure;

[0036] • Because the cladding is preferably made of plastic wood or wood from recycled waste, and can also be made of natural or treated wood, native or from reforestation, it offers sustainability to the facilities.

[0037] Illustrations:

[0038]

[0019] In order to facilitate research and provide understanding of the present patent, as set forth in the report, according to a basic and preferred embodiment developed by the applicant, reference is made to the attached illustrations, which form part of and support the present report described where, the:

[0039] FIG. 01 - shows a perspective of the modular floor with a straight ramp and a corner ramp installed;

[0040] FIG. 02 - shows a perspective view of the modular floor with a straight ramp and a corner ramp installed, with the ramps applied without the covering;

[0041] FIG. 03 - shows a side view in section of the modular floor with a straight ramp and a corner ramp installed;

[0042] FIG. 04 - shows the bottom perspective of the straight ramp structure with shock absorbers installed;

[0043] FIG. 05 - shows the front view of the straight ramp structure; FIG. 06 - shows the rear view of the straight ramp structure with shock absorbers installed;

[0044] FIG. 07 - shows the bottom perspective of the cladding with fixing pins;

[0045] FIG. 08 - shows a side view of the cladding without fixing pins; FIG. 09 - shows a perspective view of the corner ramp structure;

[0046] FIG. 10 - shows the bottom perspective of the corner ramp structure; FIG. 11 - shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the connection between two straight ramps, between a straight ramp and a corner ramp, and between a straight ramp and a floor slab;

[0047] FIG. 12 - shows the front view of the shock absorber;

[0048] FIG. 13 - shows the bottom view of the shock absorber;

[0049] FIG. 14 - shows the top view of the shock absorber;

[0050] FIG. 15 - shows a perspective view of the cladding fixing pin; FIG. 16 - shows a front view of the cladding fixing pin; FIG. 17 - shows a side view of the cladding fixing pin. Description:

[0051]

[0020] The Access Ramp for Floating Modular Wood Flooring is a finishing piece placed on the edges of the modular flooring after its installation, with the purpose of providing easy wheelchair access to the area where the flooring was installed, as well as providing a finished look to the edges.

[0052]

[0021] Thus, the ramp (1) is constructed from two pieces that fit together and into the structural plates (2) of the modular floor, called the straight ramp (4) and the corner ramp (5). The straight ramps (4) and corner ramps (5) constitute structural plates onto which cladding plates are fixed, chosen according to the modular floor. Depending on the construction of the floating modular floor, it may be necessary to install only the straight ramps (4) or the corner ramps (5).

[0053]

[0022] The straight ramp (4) and corner ramp (5) are preferably manufactured from recycled or virgin polymers such as polypropylene, with graphene additives and traditional additives for weather protection and to acquire flame retardant properties.

[0023] The straight ramp (4) has a wedge shape and comprises on its lower face reinforcement structures (3) that provide bracing and structural reinforcement, between which holes (15) are arranged, homogeneously distributed throughout the lower face, where the shock absorbers (11) are fitted. Two straight ramps (4) are connected to each other using at least one fitting pin (6) of a first straight ramp (4), arranged along one of its lateral faces, which is fitted inside the opening (7), distributed along one of the lateral faces of a second straight ramp (4).

[0054]

[0024] The fitting (6) consists of two couplings (8) whose ends are wedge-shaped, between which there is a free space (9). For the connection between two straight ramps (4) by pressure, the two couplings (8) whose ends are wedge-shaped come together, filling the empty space of the free space (9), so as to allow passage through the opening (7). As soon as the wedge-shaped ends of the couplings (9) pass through the opening (7), they automatically return to their initial position, the wedge-shaped ends serving as couplings, limiting the lateral movement of the ramps, but maintaining a clearance to accommodate expansions and contractions due to natural temperature and humidity variations in the environment.

[0055]

[0025] The openings (7) have an oblong shape to allow movement of the fittings (6), and to absorb natural changes due to temperature variations. The fitting (6) has an elongated shape between the straight ramp (4) and the couplings (9), allowing accommodation for expansions and contractions resulting from temperature variations.

[0056]

[0026] Similarly, the connection between the straight ramp (4) and the structural plate (2) of the modular floor occurs through the fittings (6) that pass through openings (7) arranged on a lateral face of the structural plate (2) of the modular floor. The fittings (6) arranged on the rear face of the straight ramp (4) have the shape already described above, and configure a male ramp (4).

[0057]

[0027] The straight female ramp (4) has on its rear face a plurality of openings (7) already described, with the aim of allowing the fitting of fittings (6) existing on one side of the structural plate (2) of the modular floor.

[0058]

[0028] Shock absorbers (11) are parts made of elastomer with controlled stiffness to ensure proper impact absorption without interfering with player stability and arena playability, consisting of the main cylindrical body (12), tip (13) and grooves (14). On its lower face, which is in direct contact with the subfloor, the grooves (14) have the main function of controlling stiffness, allowing water drainage and serving as a stop, as it is located externally to the structural plate (2). The main cylindrical body (12) is fitted inside the hole (15), with the grooves (14) having a larger diameter. The tip (13) has a conical shape, positioned above a cylindrical body (12) of smaller diameter.

[0059]

[0029] On the upper face of the hole (15) there is a recessed area (16) with a central hole through which the shock absorber tip (13) will pass, allowing the shock absorber (11) to be fixed to the structural plate (2). After fitting, the tip (13) is positioned on the upper face of the structural plate (2), housed in the recessed area (16).

[0060]

[0030] The corner ramp (5) also has a wedge shape and comprises at least one coupling (6) on one of its lateral faces and at least one opening (7) on the opposite lateral face. The corner ramp (6) is always fixed to straight ramps (4), using the coupling (6), which is fixed inside an opening (7) of a first straight ramp (4), and the opening (7) where a coupling (6) of a second straight ramp (4) is coupled.

[0031] The cladding panels (17) are preferably made of natural wood, and the user may choose any pattern, provided it has a minimum thickness compatible with the fixing. The cladding panels (17) are fixed above the assembly formed by the straight (4) and corner (5) ramps, using a plurality of pins (18), fitted into the cladding panel (17) and into the straight (4) and corner (5) ramps.

[0061]

[0032] The pin (18) comprises its fastening parts, separated by a central stop (19). The upper engagement (20) is used for fitting into the cladding plate (17) and the lower engagement (21) is used for fitting into the straight ramp (4) or the corner ramp (5).

[0062]

[0033] The upper coupling (20) has a central cylindrical body (22) with a conical tip, equipped with a plurality of protruding pins (23) arranged at an angle to the central cylindrical body (22), forming a coupling known as a “herringbone type coupling”, because the protruding pins (23) arranged at an angle serve as resistance to movement in the opposite direction, making it difficult to remove them from the hole (24) existing on the lower face of the coating plate (17).

[0063]

[0034] The lower coupling (21), used for pressure-fitting on the straight ramp (4) and corner ramp (5), has two couplings (25) whose wedge-shaped ends come together, filling the empty space of the free span (26), so as to allow passage through the opening (27) in the straight ramp (4) and corner ramp (5). As soon as the wedge-shaped ends of the couplings (25) pass through the opening (27), they automatically return to their initial position, the wedge-shaped ends serving as couplings, limiting the lateral movement of the panels, but maintaining a clearance to accommodate expansion and contraction due to natural temperature and humidity variations in the environment. The straight ramp (3) has a plurality of oblong-shaped openings (27), which not only allows for the absorption of expansion, but also allows for the installation of cladding panels (17) of various shapes and in various positions.

[0064] Conclusion:

[0065]

[0035] Thus, the Access Ramp for Floating Modular Wood Flooring is supported by unprecedented technical and functional characteristics, therefore deserving the legal protection sought.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. ACCESS RAMP FOR FLOATING MODULAR FLOOR is characterized by comprising straight ramps (4) equipped with shock absorbers (11) or corner ramps (5) that can be fixed together, to which the flooring panels (17) are fixed using pins (18).

2. ACCESS RAMP FOR FLOATING MODULAR FLOOR according to claim 1 is characterized by the fact that the damper (11) comprises grooves (14) with a diameter larger than the holes (15) of the straight ramp (4).

3. ACCESS RAMP FOR FLOATING MODULAR FLOOR according to claim 1 is characterized by the fact that the pin (18) comprises a central stop (19) positioned between the upper coupling (20) and the lower coupling (21), wherein the upper coupling (20) has a central cylindrical body (22) with a conical tip, provided with protruding pins (23) arranged inclined with respect to the central cylindrical body (22), wherein the lower coupling (21) is provided with two couplings (25) whose tips have a wedge shape.

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